Biarritz Travel Guide

Situated in the very southwest of France, the holiday
destination of Biarritz became famous in the 19th century when
Empress Eugenie (the wife of Napoleon III) fell in love with this
part of the Basque country and built a palace on the beach (now the
world-class Hotel du Palais) and a centre with natural springs at
Eugenie les Bains.

Soon the area became popular with aristocracy from all over
Europe: Queen Victoria came here regularly over a period of 30
years, Edward VI stayed in the Hotel du Palais days before his
death, and in the 1930s Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson were regular
visitors. Until the revolution in 1917 the Russian nobility
wintered here too and built the magnificent Orthodox Church next to
the Palace.

However, the days of this beautiful patch of France being
reserved for high society are long gone and today Biarritz is a
comparatively affordable, vibrant and cosmopolitan town with
magnificent beaches. There are a couple of interesting museums to
explore as well as a celebrated aquarium. In addition to ample
sightseeing opportunities, Biarritz offers extensive shopping and
dining options and has an energetic nightlife.

Biarritz has good sporting facilities, including some excellent
golf courses and some of the best surfing in France. Each summer,
surfers from all over the world come to Biarritz to ride the waves
at the annual Surf Festival. Those after more gentle exercise while
on holiday opt to stroll along Biarritz's principal promenade, Quai
de la Grande Plage.

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